Brad Noll welcomes Christine Lyons, Manager of Philanthropic Partnerships at Habitat for Humanity of Greater Fort Wayne, for a conversation about what it really takes to move a mission forward. With over 20 years of business development experience, a background that includes work at a restoration company doing rebuilds, and a relationship with Habitat that stretches back to her high school service hours, Christine brings a rare blend of construction know-how and heart to the work of building homes and building community.
Together, Brad and Christine dig into how Habitat actually works, from the 30-year mortgages at three percent to the sweat equity hours and financial literacy classes that set families up for long-term success. They talk about the roughly 30 homes Habitat is building this year across Allen, Huntington, and Wells counties, the revitalization happening at Renaissance Point, and the gap between a typical Fort Wayne rent and a Habitat family's mortgage. It is a clear-eyed look at affordable home ownership from the people doing the work.
Underneath the numbers, this is a masterclass in the fundamentals. Christine breaks down why consistency, communication, and relationships beat transactions every time, why she would rather invite someone into the mission than simply ask for a check, and how one 10-year-old's excitement over finally having an address captures everything Habitat is about.
Key Takeaways
● Fundamentals never change. Strategies and tactics shift with the times, but consistency, communication, and doing what you say you will do are the non-negotiables in fundraising and in any business.
● Stop being transactional. When you meet someone only to close a donation or a sale, people see it coming. Lead with connection and let the relationship come first.
● Invite people into the mission, not just the checkbook. A volunteer day on the job site, working alongside a future homeowner, does more than any ask. Impact is where it is at.
● Walk the walk. Christine is a monthly donor to the organization she represents. Credibility comes from living the mission you invite others to support.
● Home ownership changes mindsets and futures. Moving a family from renting to owning builds instant equity, confidence, and stability, and often breaks a generational cycle.
● Vision creates ripple effects. When a leader casts a bigger vision, it reaches the team, the families, the donors, and the volunteers. Where there is no vision, the people perish.
● Communication is memorization. If the other person cannot repeat back what you said, you did not really communicate.
Connect
● Student of the Game Podcast: https://www.nollteam.com/podcast
● Brad Noll on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradnoll24/
● Noll Team Real Estate: https://www.nollteam.com
● Christine Lyons on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-lyons1/
● Habitat for Humanity Ft Wayne: https://habitatgfw.com/
About Noll Team Real Estate
Since 2003, Noll Team Real Estate has been helping people in the Fort Wayne area find the freedom to live the lifestyle they want. Despite changing markets and business tactics, we have remained true to this better and improved business model by focusing on building relationships and serving others in everything we do. Whatever stage of life you are in, our goal is to provide you with the wisdom and tools necessary when buying or selling a home. We put you first to ensure an enjoyable and profitable experience.
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